You are a danger to Zambia if you vote out of ignorance 

By Revelation Editor

Countrymen and women, we shall repeat the questions we posed recently, and we shall keep getting back to the same issue right up to election day.

If you were asked to mention just one policy initiative seeking to advance Zambia’s national cause, just that one policy initiative that has so motivated you that you can’t even wait for August 13 to come in order to cast your vote for your presidential candidate, will you instantly mention it? Just that one policy pronouncement from Brian Mundubile, or even Harry Kalaba or Fred M’membe or any other opposition contender, will you immediately mention the same?

And if you were asked to mention just one important success or promissory note President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking to advance if re-elected, will you instantly mention the same?

Because if you are going into this election having made your electoral choices without really properly undertaking to conduct your own due diligence on the promises and character of the candidates you have settled on voting for, then we can safely say that you are the most dangerous person to this country and its interests.

We want a citizenry that is going to engage, question and take to account these politicians on the many promises they are dishing out to Zambians

We believe that citizens participation in the running of this country’s affairs is very key, but that participation requires a citizenry that is well informed. A citizenry that makes informed choices on national matters actually.

There are many issues right now which demand your serious scrutiny of these candidates. For instance, the electricity tariffs are very high right now for the majority of Zambians. What are the candidates saying about the same? They should be taken to task to explain what their policies will be on this matter. Will they reduce the tariffs for instance? If they will do so they must explain how they will manage to do the same, while ensuring profitability of the utility companies. If they will maintain, or even increase the tariffs further, they must be made to explain how they would manage to do the same without worsening the cost of living. At least they must be made to explain on the same so that people can make informed decisions.

There is the problem of massive unemployment in this country also. Have you taken personal responsibility to read the various manifestos to see if they meet the country’s demands? If they don’t, then you have a responsibility as a citizen to have those vying for leadership explain what steps they would undertake to provide meaningful and sustainable jobs for the majority Zambians. 

How about in the area of mining, our country’s mainstay, what are those who are vying for office promising? Because honestly speaking, we are not getting a fair deal from the mines. Some have even mastered the art of finding ways of expropriating our resources without paying their due, owing to weak systems and outright collusion and even corruption with the powerful forces in government. And it’s not just under this government, but almost all the administrations that have led this country, probably with the exception of the Kenneth Kaunda administration. 

We know that there is chimwela and songs and dances right now because of the election season. But beneath that chimwela lies the real life that you are going to confront after this election season. You need to open your eyes wider!